THE Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) notes with profound anguish, the horrific and inhumane death meted out to sixteen-year-old Neesa Gopaul, of Leonora, West Coast Demerara. “Ms. Gopaul’s gruesome death should leave all in disbelief following the cruel manner of her demise,” the IAC said in a statement yesterday.

While using the opportunity to extend deepest sympathy to the relatives and friends of Ms. Gopaul, the IAC said it would also like to “forthrightly condemned” what it described as a “brutal act of barbarism” which resulted in a promising life being snuffed out by alleged acquaintance(s) who should have provided protection.

“The IAC calls on those tasked with conducting the investigation to be steadfast for a swift and thorough resolution in bringing the perpetrator(s) to justice,” the Committee said.

The IAC, having noted the concerns raised by relatives of the late Neesa Gopaul with regards to suffering prior to her death, said it is disturbed to learn that incidents of abuse were reported frequently and, allegedly, no action was taken.

“Sentiments of Ms. Gopaul’s relatives suggest that the authorities could have done more to unshackle her from the sadistic torture she was forced to endure allegedly by those who mercilessly beheaded her,” the IAC stated.

“While the IAC is cognisant of the efforts of the authority responsible for protecting the nation’s children, the organisation calls on government to immediately investigate the deficiencies which may have led to Ms. Gopaul’s cries being unheeded and eventually to her untimely demise,” the IAC said.

The IAC said it “demands this inquiry” in addition to the police investigation since it is believed that the various agencies failed to take preventative action.

Further, the IAC calls on all organisations to use Ms. Gopaul’s death as a catalyst to intensify the fight against abuse and violence perpetrated against women and children.

“Too often these defenceless groups suffer at the hands of persons known to them. The IAC takes this opportunity to remind all parents and guardians of their responsibility to nurture and protect those entrusted in their care and calls on citizens to be vigilant and not to hesitate to report incidents of abuse meted out to others,” the Committee said.

The IAC, in its statement, also condemned the heinous killing of Ms. Sheema Mangar of Mon Repos who was dragged under a car after her cell phone was snatched on September 11, 2010. The IAC urges a swift conclusion to the investigation so that those responsible will be brought to justice.